Local area guide

Living in Swanage

Thinking about moving to Swanage? Discover why it's a great place to live, fun things to do here, what the local schools and transport connections are like - and of course the most important thing of all: how much houses cost to buy.

Your guide to moving to Swanage

Why Swanage is a good place to live

Small enough to retain its friendly atmosphere yet bustling with life, Swanage offers quintessential British seaside living. The coastal town is known for its quaint housing and charming independent shops. Here you can enjoy a balance of stability, decent amenities and a classic seaside living experience without being overwhelmed with modern-day trendiness. Living in Swanage, you'll gain easy access to beautiful clifftop walks, endearing Punch & Judy shows, and a picturesque child-friendly beach with lovely sand and shallow waters. Plus, the town gives you good connections with a decent bus service to the trains at Wareham and houses a few schools esteemed as 'good' and 'outstanding'.

What's Swanage famous for?

Swanage is famous for its memorable role as a Victorian seaside resort and its historical significance as a quarrying port. The town offers a charming recall of vintage coastal living, best seen in its 60s seafront cinema and the classic Punch 'n Judy puppet show enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The town's beach, well-known for its sands, and the magnificent Swanage steam railway are worth the visit alone. And let's not forget Swanage's ritzy summer jazz festival and breath-taking clifftop walks.

Things to do in Swanage

From a gentle stroll along the dramatic coastline to delving into the deep blue sea, Swanage is chock-full of things to explore. You can browse through the independent shops, participate in local park activities or venture further afield to the larger Dorset coast. Attend various festivals occurring each month from March through October, covering themes from art and blues to comedy and carnivals. Sample seafood at local restaurants and enjoy the continental atmosphere of the town's pavement cafés and bars. Visit the Purbeck New Wave Gallery, an artist-owned hub of creativity, or enjoy a flick at the vintage Mowlem Theatre. With so much on offer, there's always a new experience waiting to be had in Swanage.

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